Can opener



lav-v April 15, 1952 Filed April 28, 1947 R. E. M LEAN 2,592,935

CAN OPENER 9 Sheets-Sheet l Robert M Lean Apnl 15, 1952 R. E. MOLEAN 2,592,935

' CAN OPENER Filed April 28, 1947 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 /0 "I. Fllllilill "H 23 Hill 45 uminum M la 4/ 44 4/4 9;? K5

FIG 5 /2 '5 -4 .56 If 7 a j Robert fiM Lean R. E. M LEAN April 15, 1952 CAN OPENER 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed April 28, 1947 IEEE H M W Robert E M'Zean R. E. M LEAN April 15, 1952 CAN OPENER 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed April 28, 1947 FIQ, 16.

w m w 9%. 1 J MD, A 7 Q f I g i, w F 2 m p/ 9 4 5 w Robert Led/n April 15, 1952 McLEAN 2,592,935

CAN OPENER Filed April 28, 1947 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 Robert EJWLean April 15, 1952 R. E. MCLEAN 2,592,935

CAN OPENER Filed April 28, 1947 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 M 3mm Robert ElWIean Woman;

R. E. M LEAN A ril 15, 1952 CAN OPENER 9 Sheets-Sheet '7 Filed April 28, 1947 Nil-"INN *2 Mai R. E. M LEAN April 15, 195 2 CAN OPENER 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed April 28, 1947 Milli-Ill"! ZI' W Robert "L ean/ A ril 15, 1952 R. E. M LEAN 2,592,935

CAN OPENER Filed April 28, 1947 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 FIG; 4 0.

Halley-i i.

Patented Apr. 15, 1952 CAN OPENER Robert E. McLean, Columbus, Ga., assignor to John C. Hockery, Kansas City, M0,, as trustee Application April 28, 1947, Serial No. 744,393

This invention relates to improvements in can opening devices and is directed particularly to an improved can opener of the rotary drive wheel type.

A principal object of the present invention is to provide a can opener of the rotary drive wheel type and employing a single operating handle, which is constructed in a novel manner whereby clockwise rotation of the handle causes the device to puncture the end of the can, secure and hold the can in proper position for the cutting out of the head thereof and the cutting out of the can head or end, and subsequent counterclockwise rotation of the said single operating handle effects the separation of can holding parts to release the can for removal, a particular novel feature of the-device as set forth in its several embodiments inthe present application, residing in an improved mechanism whereby shifting of the can relative to the cutter is effected with ease and smoothness by reason of novel leverage or thrust means.

Another object of the invention is to provide a can opener of the rotary drive wheel type wherein the stated thrust or leverage mechanism is so designed that the stated puncturing of the can head is not only effected with ease and smoothness but the parts become firmly secured in working position whereby the can is maintained in proper position to have the head out therefrom, without danger of being released and dropped.

Still anotherobject of the invention is to provide in a can opener of the rotary drive wheel type, a novel resilient can rest designed for use in association either with a rotatable disk cutter or with a cutter of the fixed blade type, which maintains the can in good aligmnent while installed in the device and exerts downward resilient pressure against the top edge of the can, regardless of the height of the rim of the can, whereby to assure adequate traction of the teeth of the can rim engaging driving wheel with the under edge of the same rim of the can.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a can'opener of the rotary drive wheel type wherein the stated thrust mechanism is designed in a novel manner to be exceptionally substantial and durable in order that it will continue to operate efiiciently over a long period or after prolonged use.

' A still further object of the invention is to provide a can opener of the rotary drive wheel type employing a single operating handle functioning as hereinbefore described, wherein novel means 22 Claims. (Cl. 30-9) 2 is provided for the escape of such handle from thrust operating mechanism, smoothly and without additional effort on the part of the operator of the device, such as might be required-in cone nection with or to effect the tripping of trigger mechanism.

Still another object of the invention is to provide in a can opener of the rotary drive wheel type, rotatable shafts for a can rim engaging driving wheel and a disk cutter, which areof comparatively great length and provided with bearings of corresponding length to provide greater ease of operation, continued good align-' ment of operating parts even after prolonged use, and a minimum of wear.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description of the same proceeds and the invention will be best understood from a consideration of the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part of the specification, with the understanding, however, that the invention is not to be understood as limited to the exact details of construction shown and described since obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a view in elevation of the right hand side of a can opener constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the operating handle therefor being broken away.

Figure 2 is a view in elevation of the opposite or left hand side of the same.

Figure 3 is a view in top plan of the same.

Figure 4 is a view of said one embodiment in front elevation.

Figure 5 is a vertical section taken' substantially on the line 5-5 of Figure l.

Figure 6 is a vertical section taken substantially on the line 5-6 of Figure 1.

Figure 7 is a section taken substantially on the line 1-1 of Figure 1.

Figure 8 is a view in elevation of the right hand side of a second embodiment of the, invention, portions thereof, such as the handle and cutter carrying head being broken away.

Figure 9 is a view in elevation of the left hand side of the second embodiment.

Figure 10 is a vertical section taken substantially on the line Ill-l0 of Figure 8. v

Figure 11 is a view in elevation of the left hand side of a slightly modified form of the first embodiment.

Figure 12 is a view in top plan of the cutter head shown in Figure 11.

Figure 13 is a view in front elevation of the cutter head showing adjacent thereto a portion of the can rim engaging driving wheel.

Figure 14 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line I l-I4 of Figure 12.

Figure 15 is a view in elevation of the left hand side of a third embodiment, the cutter supporting head portion being broken away.

Figure 16 is a view in elevation of the right hand side of a fourth embodiment, the cutter head and a portion of the operating handle or crank being broken away.

Figure 17 is a view in elevation of the left hand side of the opener shown in Figure 16.

Figure 18 is a vertical section taken substantially on the line I 8-I8 of Figure 16.

Figure 19 is a vertical section taken substantially on the line I9I9 of Figure 16. C Figure 20 is a view in elevation of the right hand side of a fi h e bodime t, a p io of the handle and the cutter supp ting head bein rok' n away, 1

Figure 21 is a sectional view taken on the line 2I--2I of Figure 20.

Figure 22 is a view in elevation of the left hand side of a modified form of the fourth embodiment.

Figure 23 is a vertical section taken substantially on the line 23 23 of Figure 22.

Figure 24 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 24-44 of Figure 22.

Figure 25 is a view in side elevation of the right hand side of a sixth embodiment, a portion @fthc handle being broken away- Figure 26 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 26fiZ6 of Figure 25.

Figure 27 is a view in elevation of the left hand Side of a seventh embodiment.

Figure 28 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 28-28 of Figure 27.

Figure 23 is a vicw in elevation of the right hand side of an eighth embodiment, a portion of the handle being broken away.

Figure 30 is a View in elevation of the left hand side of the eighth embodiment.

Figure 31 is a vertical transverse section taken on the line 3l-.3 I of Figure 30.

Figure 32 is a sectional view taken on the line 32-42 of Figure 30.

Figure 33 is a view of the left hand side of another form of resilient can rest.

Figure 34 is a' sectional view taken on the line 34-44 of Figure 33.

, Figure 35 is a horizontal section taken on the line 35-35 of Figure 33.

Figure 36 is a view of the right hand side of a ninth embodiment of a can opener constructed in accordance with the present invention, the cover or housing for the mechanism being removed together with the eccentric thrust m h nism.

Figure. 37 is a section taken substantially on the line 3'I -31 of Figure 36 showing in section parts which are removed from the structure as illustrated in Figure 36.

Figure 38 is a view in elevation of the inner or left hand side of the ninth embodiment.

Figure 39 is a vertical-section corresponding to a portion of Figure 37 and showing an alterhate. constructi n of the e c c t u e anism and the enclosing housing or cover.

Figure 40 is a view in elevation of the inner 4 or left hand side of a tenth embodiment of the invention.

Figure 41 is a vertical section taken substantially on the line 4I4I of Figure 40.

Figure 42 is a view of the right hand side of a portion of the eccentric thrust link showing the adaptation of an alternate type of friction spring which may be used in lieu of the spring I84 shown in Figure 16.

Figure 43 is a plan view of a circular corrugated spring which is a second alternate type friction spring and which can be used in lieu of spring I84 or the spring shown in Figure 42.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings the numeral I3 designates in Figures 1 to 5 inclusive a supporting arm which is designed to be mounted in horizontal position upon a wall or other suitable supporting structure by any suitable type of supporting means, not shown.

The forward end of the bracket arm I9 is integral with the body plate II, a portion of the top edge of which is extended upwardly as indicated at I2. As shown in Figure 5, this extension I2 is inclined slightly from the plane of the body I I toward the left or inner side of the body plate and supports the hereinafter described cutter head and resilient can rest.

The lower part of the body plate I I has formed therein the horizontal guide opening or slot 13 and above this slot there is formed in the body plate the slightly arcuate vertically extending slot I4 the radius of which is struck from the center of an aperture formed in the arm ID for a pivot rivet I5 which is set a substantial distance rearwardly from the body plate II as shown.

Disposed against the right hand side of the body plate l! and arm I 0, is a shiftable plate which is generally designated 35 and which in this embodiment shifts by reciprocable or sliding movement. This shiftable plate has a rearwardly extending portion I! which is provided with a relatively long longitudinally extending or horizontal slot I8, and a forward portion I9 which has the forward edge, the bottom edge and part of a rear edge thereof bordered by the continuous laterally extending flange 2B, the parts thereof which outline the three mentioned edges, being designated a, b and c. The portion 0 of the flange 26 curves upwardly and the top edge thereof designated d functions as a stop for a portion of the mechanism as hereinafter described.

The forward portion I9 of the plate It has a relatively long recess 2I formed in the top edge thereof for the purpose hereinafter described and as shown in Figure 1, the arcuate body plate opening or slot Id opens across the top edge of this recess 2!.

Secured to the forward portion I9 of the plate l5 adjacent to the upwardly curving portion c of the flange 28, is a rivet 22 on the outer end portion 22a of which is oscillatably mounted the relatively long pawl 23. The portion 22a of the rivet 22 is of slightly larger diameter than the portion which is directly attached to the part I9. as shown in Figure 6, and this portion of smaller diameter has thereon the spacer sleeve 24 which maintains the pawl in spaced relation with the adjacent part I9 of the slide. lhe pawl 23 has the end remote from the pivot 22 cut obliquely to its length whereby there is provided a contact or strike face 23a for the purpose hereinafter described.

Encircling the spacer sleeve 24 is a spring 25, one end of which is fixed in the adjacent bottom portion 12 of the flange as shown at a while the other end of the spring is fixed as at 251) to the pawl. This spring, which is looped around the spacer 24, is biased so as-to constantly tend to swing or turn the pawl clockwise. Thus the strike face 23a of the pawl will be at substantially all times directed forwardly.

Upon the left hand side of the body plate H.

or opposite from the shiftable plate [6, is a rock plate generally designated 26 and which corresponds in general form to the plate 56 and comprises the rotary drive wheel carrying plate. This plate 26 comprises a rear portion 2'! and a larger front portion 28. The rear portion is pivotally supported upon the pivot 15 and this pivot has upon its two ends the retaining washers 29 which bear against the adjacent portions I! and 2.7 of the plates to maintain the latter in position. 'Encircling the pivot rivet in the plane of the plate portion 11, is a journal 38 which lies within theslot l8 and has upper and lower flat surfaces for sliding contact with the parallel edges of the slot. On the opposite side of the arm it the rivet I5 is encircled by a corresponding journal 3| which, however, is completely circular and forms a bearing for the portion 2'! of the plate 2%. The forward larger end of the plate 26 has formed therein the arcuate cam slot 32. The lower end of this slot which is substantially horizontally directed, lies beneath the slot l8 and the cam slot 32 extends upwardly and rearwardly as shown in Figure 2.

Secured to the shiftable plate portion !9 is the pivot rivet 33 which, as shown in Figure 5, has an enlarged portion 33a which extends through the body plate slot l3 and the cam slot 32, to; ward the inner or left side of the device. This rivet carries upon the enlarged portion 33a, the two rollers 34 and 35 which, as shown are of difierent'diameters, the roller of smaller diameter, designated 34, lying in the body plate slot [3 while the larger roller 35 is positioned in the cam slot 32.

Passing through and secured by screw threads as shown in Figure 5 at 35, in the drive wheel carrying rock plate 26, is a tubular bearing 3? of substantial length, which extends to the right a considerable distance beyond the outer side of the shiftable plate It. This tubular bearing lies in the recess 2! in the top edge of the forward part IQ of the plate 16 and ithas extending therethrough and rotatable therein the shaft 38, upon the inner end of which is secured the peripherally toothed can rim engaging driving wheel. 39. Between the forward part 28 of the pla'te'ZB'in which the bearing 37 is mounted. and the wheel 39; the end of the bearing is'formed to provide the encircling spacing collar so which maintains the drive wheel 39 at the desired position in relation to the adjacent face of the plate 26 by which it is carried.

It will also be seen that the bearing 31 extends through the-arcuate slot It of the-body plate H so that upon up and down movement of -the plate 26 the bearing, shaft and wheel will be raised and lowered within the limits of the slot 2 s.

The numeral 4| designates a handle or crank, the outer end of which is broken away but which in practice is provided with a knob or other suitable means to facilitate grasping the handle for operation. At the inner and attached end of the handle a portion thereof is angularly directed as indicated at Ma, and the end of this angularly directed portion is secured to the right hand or outer end of the shaft 38 as indicated at 42. Be-

6. tween the portion 4| a of the handle and the body plate, is a spacer sleeve 43 which encircles-the tubular bearing 31.

' At the end of the angular portion Ma where it joins the main part of the handle, the handle carries a pivot rivet 44 upon which is rotatably mounted the cam roller 45. This cam roller is maintained in the proper position with respect to the handle, for contact with the adjacent surface of the portion a of the flange 26, by a spacer sleeve as which encircles the rivet .44 as shown in Figure 3.

Secured to the driving wheel supporting plate or arm 26, below and slightly forwardly of the driving. wheel, is a can guard 41 which main tains the can a predetermined distance. from the lower face or lateral surface of the can driving wheel 39. l

The numeral 49 generally designates the can rest which lies above and is supported by the angularly directed portion [2 of the body plate M. This can rest structure comprises a plate 5t; which is disposed against the outer orwright hand side of the bodyplate portion [2 and is secured thereto by rivets 5!. The central part of the. plate 50 is out out from the lower edge as indicated at 52 in Figure 1, forming side portions which at their lower ends are turned or rolled to provide hinge pintle sleeves or knuckles 53. Extending transversely of the portion l2 and passing through these sleeves or knuckles 53 is the pintle 55.

In addition to the fixed plate 50, the can rest 49 includes a box-like unit, generally designated U which encloses the upper end of the body plate portion !2 and the attached plate 53. and which comprises a top portion 55,-the

inner depending portion'iiii and thefront and rear end portions 5?. The latter portions extend. downwardly to provide the hinge ears 57awhich position against the remote ends of the inge sleeves 53 and are apertured to receive the adjacent ends of the pintle 54 as most clearly shown in Figure l. A downturned' flange 58 upon the right or outer side of the box-like unit U, engages the outer side of the fixed plate portion 58, as shown in Figure 5, to limit the inner swinging movement of this portion.

The inner side of the can rest unit U is 1 cut out from the lower edge as indicated at 59 in Figure 2 and portions of the lower edge of this side, at opposite sides of the cut out part, are

turned to provide the forward and rearward feet so of the can rest which, as 'shownlin Figure 4, are normally substantially horizontal even though the side 55 of the can rest structure of which they form a part, is inclinedto the left or .to the inner side.

The numeral fil designates a tubular bearing, one end of which is threadably secured in a suitable opening as indicated at 62 in the body plate portion i2, and has secured thereon thenut. 63 which bears against the outer side of.'the.body

plate portion i2 as shown in Figure 5.; Uponthe; inner sideof this portion l2 the tubular bear ing tihas a flange 5,4; which is drawn againstthe body plate portion I 2 by the nut 63 as shown: The underside of the tubular bearing BI is cut away, or flattened as indicated at65 and has a flat substantially horizontal surface opposed to and parallel with the top of .the toothed periph-v cry of. the'can drivinglwheel 35. ..The cutting away of this-bearing prevents the can rim'from contacting the bearing. The bearing sleeve 6| has extended therethrough the arbor 66 upon which is secured. upon the end of the arbor disposed adjacent to the driving wheel 39, the disk cutter 61.

' The end of the arbor 66 remote from the cutter 61, has ahead 58 and interposed, between this head 68 and the plate 50 is a bow spring 69, the opposite ends of which bear against the side portions of the plate 58 as shown in Figure 1. Thus while the cutter wheel 81 together with its supporting arbor 36 is permitted axial movement, the tendency of the spring 68 is to constantly draw the cutter back to a position where its cutting edge is in close proximity to the inner face of the driving wheel 39, as shown in Figure 5.

A second spring which is designated 10 is intei'posed between the inner depending portion 56 of the rest and the inner face of the extended top portion ll of th body plate ll. Thus it will be seen that in addition to the fact that the cutter 6! has axial movement against the tension of the spring 69, the pivoted unit U of the can rest 49 also has movement in the opposite direction against the action of the spring 10. With this arrangement it will be readily seen that when a can is having the top or head out therefrom, if any seam or other thickened portion of the cam body is required to pass between the cutter and the adjacent face of the wheel 39 the parts will shift sufiiciently to permit such passage without jamming the can between the cutter and wheel and without straining any of the parts of the device.

In the operation of this first embodiment, if the shift-able thrust plate i6 is not in the extreme rearward position, the operating handle M is rotated counterclockwise until it is in such position. Such counterclockwise rotation brings the cam roller 45 into contact with the strike face 23a of the pawl 23 thereby forcing the plate I6 rearwardly on the journal 30. Such rearward move ment of the plate (6 carries with it the pivot 33 and the rollers 34 and 35. This moves the roller 35 in the cam slot 32 so as to effect the lowering of the plate and consequently the lowering of thecan rim engaging driving wheel 39.

When not in use the shiftable member l6 will ordinarily be in its rearwardmost position and the operating handle M will be in a depending position with the knob thereof, not shown, rearward of the section line 5-5 of Figure 1, which is an out of the way position. When in such position the roller 35 will be in the rearward end of its cammed slot 13; the roller 35 will be in the rearward end of its cammed slot 32, and the can driving wheel 39 will be in its lowered position as previously stated.

The can is then inserted in the device by holding it in such manner that itsupper end is against the cutting edge of the disk cutter 67. The operating handle is then rotated clockwise until the end is out out of the can. During approximately the first quarter turn of the operating handle, the roller 45 engages the outturned portion a of the flange 20 and moves the slide member forwardly to approximately the position illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 inclusive. During such movement, the rollers 34 and 35 move the forward end of the oscillatable can driving wheel supporting arm or plate 26 upwardly to approximately the position illustrated in Figures 1 to 5. During such movement the can driving wheel 39, being under the rim or flange of the can, moves the can upwardly in such manner that the disk cutter punctures the end of the can and the rim of the can lifts the feet'BG of the overlying can rest dislightly against the tension of the spring 10, the can rest 49 oscillating slightly on the pivot pintle 54 The can rest 48 prevents the can from tilting while it is installed in the device. Further clockwise rotation of the operating handle 4| causes the can driving wheel to feed the can through the device in such manner that thedisk cutter 61 rotates and cuts the end out of the can, at which time the operating handle M is turned counterclockwise to release the can from the device.

The tension of the bow spring 69 is such as to normally maintain the disk cutter in desired lateral relation to the face of the can driving wheel during operation of the device, but permits the disk cutter to be forced laterally away from the face of the can driving wheel as previously explained.

During clockwise rotation of the operating handle 4! the roller 45 contacts the pawl 23 and oscillates the pawl out of its path, against the tension of the spring 25, the spring immediately reacting to move the pawl back to its initial position so that upon counterclockwise rotation of the handle the roller 45 will engage the strike face 23a. of the pawl as previously explained.

A second embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 8 to 10 inclusive. In the illustration of this embodiment the numeral H designates a portion of the supporting arm for the body plate which is generally designated I2. At the top of the body plate 12 is an upwardly extending portion 13 which is designed to support the cutter and associate parts such, for example, as the cutter and can rest structure as shown in Figures 1 to 5 inclusive. It is thought that the arrangement of these parts with respect to the hereinafter described can rim engaging driving wheel and thrust mechanism will be readily apparent so that an illustration and description of such cutter and can rest parts is not necessary. The body plate 12 has formed in the upper part thereof adjacent to the extension 13, the elliptical slot I4, the long axis of which is vertically directed. Below this slot and adjacent to the lower end of the body plate is an aperture 15 in which is rotatably engaged a portion of a pivot rivet 16.

The lower part of the body plate 12 is disposed between the spaced parallel inner and outer sideportions 1'! and 18 respectively of a shiftable member in the form of a yoke which is generally designated 19. The lower edges of this yoke I9 are joined by the narrow web 83 which lies beneath the bottom edge of the body plate 12. Such bottom edge of the body plate is cut obliquely to the horizontal as indicated at 8| whereby the shiftable member or yoke 19 may oscillate on the rivet 16 in the manner to be described.

As is clearly shown in Figure 10, an end of the rivet T6 is fixed to one of the side plates or portions of the yoke, here shown as the side portion 18 and it extends through the opposite side portion 11. i

The body plate 72 is disposed against the inner face of the yoke portion 78 and between the body plate and the inner face of the opposite yoke portion 11 is disposed the supporting plate 82 for the hereinafter described can rim engaging driving wheel.

Between the rivet l6 and the slot M, there is formed in the body plate T2, the arcuate cam slot 83. Passing transversely through the can driving wheel supporting plate 82 and the cam slot 83, and having its ends fixed in the opposite sides 11 and 18 of the yoke I9, is a pivot and cam rivet 84.

Passing through and fixed by screw threads or other suitable means, as indicated at 85, in the driving wheel supporting plate 82, is an end of a shaft bearing sleeve 89 which extends through the vertical elliptical slot M of the body plate to a substantial distance to the right or outer side of the body plate as shown in Figure 10. The end of this bearing sleeve 86 upon the inner or left side of the supporting plate 82, is enlarged to provide the encircling flange B1.

Extending through the bearing 86 is the can rim engaging driving wheel supporting shaft 88 upon which is secured at the end adjacent to the flange 81, the peripherally toothed can rim engaging driving wheel 89. Upon the opposite end of the shaft 88 is secured an end of the operating handle 99 by means of which rotary motion is given to the driving wheel shaft and wheel and the operation of the wheel sup-porting plate 82 is effected.

The handle 99 also carries a pivot rivet 9i upon which is mounted, between the body of the handle and the outer or right side of the body plate 12, the cam thrust roller 92. a

A spacer sleeve 93 encircles the tubular bearing 89 between the handle and the adjacent face of the body plate to maintain the parts firmly in position.

' The side 18 of the yoke which is nearest to the handle 99 has formed along the forward edge thereof the outstanding cam flange 94 which is adapted to be engaged by the roller 92 in the initial clockwise movement of the handle when a can is being secured in the opener. Y

The opposite side portion H of the yoke has formed integral with the top thereof the inwardly extending foot piece 95 which is disposed beneath the can rim engaging driving wheel 89 and functions in the same manner as the foot 41 to maintain the can in the proper position with respect to the adjacent face of the driving wheel.

Rearwardly of the pivot rivet I9, the outer side I8 of the yoke has secured thereto the outstanding pivot stud 96. Upon this stud is pivotally mounted the pawl 91 which has a curved or arcuate rear edge 98 and a straight forward edge 99, the latter edge functioning in the same manner as the edge face 230. of the pawl 23, as a strike face against which the cam roller 92 is adapted to engage.

A spacer sleeve I99 encircles the pivot stud 98 between the pawl 91 and the part 18 and encircling this sleeve is a coil spring I9I, one end of which is fixed to the pawl 91 as indicated at I92, while the other end is secured to the outwardly projecting stop lug I93 which is formed integral with the part I8 of the yoke, as shown in Figure 8.

The rear lower part of the pawl 91 has a shoulder portion I94 which engages the stop lug I93 and thus limits the rearward or clockwise turning of the pawl under the action of the spring which is biased to constantly tend to turn the pawl in a clockwise direction.

Figures 8 to 10 of the second embodiment show the parts in the positions which they assume when the can drivingwheel is raised to maintain a can in proper position to have the top thereof cut out by the overlying cutter, not shown. To set the parts for the release of the can or to facilitate the insertion of a can, the handle 99 is rotated counterclockwise to bring the roller 92 into engagement with the edge face 99 of the pawl 91 thereby imparting clockwise oscillation or rotaid tion to the yoke I9. When such clockwise rotation has been imparted to the yoke the pivot 84 will be shifted to the lower or rear end of the cam slot 83 and the driving wheel supporting- I plate 82 will be oscillated to a position where the shaft 88 and bearing sleeve 86 are lowered in the slot M. The driving wheel 89 will then be at its extreme remote position with respect to the cutter, not shown, and the roller 92 will be between the pawl 9'! and the flange 94.

The can is then inserted in the device by holding it in such manner that its upper end is against the cutting edge of the cutter. not shown. The operating handle 99 is then rotated clockwise until the roller 92 contacts the flange 94. This effects the reverse or counterclockwise turning of the yoke thus oscillating and shifting the wheel supporting plate 82 to effect the movement of the can upwardly, through engagement of the toothed edge of the wheel 99 with the flange or rim of the can, until the head of the can is punctured by the cutter. Continued clockwise rotation of the handle 99 then eflects the rotation of the wheel 89 and of the can with respect to the cutter, until the can head is cut out. During such clockwise rotation of the handle 99 the roller "92' will intermittently engagethe curved edge 98 of the pawl and the pawl will be shifted against the roller, as will be readily obvious. Figures 11 to 14 illustrate a modification of th first embodiment of the invention which is'illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 inclusive, such modification being directed to the can rest structure and cutter, Particularly, with a slight alteration in the thrust mechanism. In this modification the body plate is generally designated l95-and the bottom and forward edges thereof are bordered on the inner or left hand side by the reenforcing flange I99 which also provides a track for a roller corresponding to the roller 34.

Upon the outer or right hand side of this modified structure, the slide plate, handle and cam roller mechanism are the same as shown in Figure 1 and accordingly such structure is not illustrated as the same would be an unnecessary duplication.

The body plate I95 has the upstanding extension I91 upon which is carried the modified'can rest and cutter supporting means.

tension of the spring IM to allow passage of the The cutter support comprises a rectangular frame which is generally designated I98 andwhich comprises the inner side portion I99, the forward and. rear ends H9 and the outer terminal portions III which are disposed against the I91 and secured II5 which forms a fixed part or springfseatof the yieldable can rest. W The can rest comprises a horizontal plate portion H6 which is disposed beneath the frame I98 and which has at each end the upstanding'arm' N1, the upper end of the arm being turned in wardly to engage upon the top edge of the-plate H5, as indicated at H8. Thus the plate H6 is suspended by the arms from the plate H5 and it is in spaced relation with the bottom edge of the plate H5 so that there may be inserted be-' 11 rees the bottom ed e f s h la e H nd the he c he h riz l te 5- h s r n mem: ber II}! which yields to permit slight upward or rising movement of the plate I I6 in response to Pre sure a ied by the t dge o m o a can when the latter is having the head out therefrein by the cutter I I3.

This horizontal plate IIS of the can rest has formed integral therewith the spaced inwardly extending feet I20. These feet are disposed upon opp s te si e th fi e cutter 3 and a e 8-1 engaged upon their under faces by the curved t9! rim 9r a e o e The operation of the can thrust mechanism of this modified form of the first embodiment is the ei the fi st o men ex e that the le t em ne 0f t e flange has re ere n a se le I?" whi t g h a s a er rol e I22, is mounted upon a pivot stud I23, corre: sponding to the stud 33 of the first embodiment. This pivot stud I23 is carried upon the slide plate I24 which is mounted upon the right hand side of the b d pla e H for d n pi a mov men on t i e r et The numeral I26 generally designates the thrust plate which has the rear portion I21 mounted on the rivet I25 and the forward por tign I28 which is ofiset inwardly or to the left as indicated at I29 so as to clear the flange I06 which lies between the forward portion I22} and the bq y p ate I The numeral I30 designates the straight slot in the body plate while the numeral I3I desig hates the cam slot in the thrust plate I25, in which latter slot the roller I22 engages as illus 51.3 1-

' The numeral I32 designates the can rim engaging driving wheel and below this is located the rest I33 against which the can bears and by which it is maintained with proper clearance between its sidewall and the adjacent face of the driving wheel I32.

In view of the previous description given in connection with the first embodiment, of which the structure shown in Figure 11 is a modification, it is not believed to be necessary to explain in detail the operation of this modification. It will be readily apparent upon reference to Figure 14 particularly that when a can is in position to have the head thereof out out the top edge of the can rim will bear against the underside of the horizontal plate or floor plate H6 and upward thrust applied to the can will be yieldin ly opposed by the spring H9 so that proper traction will be maintained at all times between the toothed periphery of the driving. wheel and the underside of the can flange.

Figure 15 illustrates a third embodiment wherein the can rim engaging driving wheel is sup: ported by an oscillatable plate and the plate is oscillated to raise and lower the wheel by a hand lever. In this construction the body plate supporting arm is designated I3 4 while the body plate proper at the forward end of the arm is designated I35 and the top part of this plate has the vertical extension I36 upon which is supported the can rest structure and cutter of suitable character such, for example, as the one shown in connection with the first embodiment or the one shown in connection with the modification of the first embodiment. Obviously any other type of cutter and rest might be employed ifdesired.

In the body plate I35 there is formed the vertical elliptical slot I31 through which extends the shaft or arbor I38 which carrie at the left hand or inner side of the device, the peripherally toothed can rim engaging driving wheel I33. At the opposite side of the body plate the shaft is connected with suitable crank means to facilitate rotation of the same and the wheel. Since this construction is similar to the previously described constructions it is not believed that an illustration or description of the same is required for a proper understanding of this embodiment.

Below the slot I31 the body plate I35 has formed therein the horizontal slot I60.

The bottom edge of the body plate I35 is bordered by the inwardly directed flange MI which at its rear end is curved or turned upwardly as indicated at him to position its end upwardly directed to function as a stop I412.

The numeral I43 generally designates the driving wheel supporting thrust plate which is disposed at the inner or left hand side of th body plate directly over the flange I4I, This thrust plate has the rearwardly extending and upwardly directed arm I43 which is rolled at its outer end to provide a bearing sleeve I45 for a pin I46, to the upper end of which is fixed a hand grip or knob I41.

The thrust plate I43 is pressed or otherwise formed to provide the inwardly offset portion I48 which functions as a housing having its open side directed toward the body plate I35.

Extending through the center of the offset portion I48 is a'pivot: rivet I69 which passes through the body plate aperture I46 as illustrated and carries upon its opposite or outer end the head I58 which positions against the outside of the body plate to maintain the rivet in desired position. This pivot rivet carries a thrust roller I5I which is enclosed within the offset portion I 48 and which rests upon the rolls on the top surface of the flange I4I The rivet I49 is adjacent to the upper edge of the slot I43 but has sufficient clearance from the lower edge of such slot that it will never bear thereon.

As will be readily apparent the shaft or arbor I38 which carries the can rim engaging driving wheel I39, passes through the thrust plate I43 in which it has a bearing so that the wheel I39 is disposed upon the left Side of the thrust plate directly above the rivet I 49.

As shown the lever I44 ofthe thrust plate is adapted to engage the stop I32 so that its rearward swinging movement is limited thereby. The forward swinging movement of the lever and cscillation of the plate I43 whereby the driving wheel I39 is lowered, is limited by engagement of the pivot rivet I43 against the rear end of the slot I48. If desired, in lieu of the stop I42, the rearward swinging movement of the thrust plate lever M4 may be controlled by or limited by the engagement of the rivet I49 with the forward end of the slot I49.

It is believed that it will be readily apparent from the foregoing that the vertical movement of the can rim engaging driving wheel I39 by means of which the head of a can is caused to be punctured by the cutter, not shown, is accomplished by oscillating the lever I44 rearwardly and downwardly to bring the parts into the position shown in Figure 15. Reverse movement of the lever will roll the thrust roller rearwardly on the flange Idl thereby rocking the plate I43 and causing the wheel I39 to move downwardly from the cutter.

Figures 16 to 19 inclusive illustrate a fourth embodiment of the 'invention'wherein a novel slide plate construction is employed for effecting the desired turning or oscillation of the driving wheel supporting plate upon rotation of the operating handle.

In these figures the supporting bracket arm is designated I52 while the body plate at the forward end thereof is designated I53 and the upwardly extending portion of the body plate upon which thecutter and can rest structure may be mounted, is designated I54. This latter structure is not illustrated for obvious reasons hereinbefore stated in connection with the description of the embodiment shown in Figure 15.

' The body plate is provided with the vertically disposed elliptical slot I55 and below this it hasformed therein the horizontal slot I56.

The bottom edge of the body plate I53 has formed integral therewith the inwardly directed longitudinally extending flange I51 and the bracket arm I52 has a longitudinal slot- I58 formed therein for the purpose hereinafter described.

The numeral I59 designates the rocking thrust plate which carries the can rim engaging driving wheel I60. This plate I59 is disposed upon the left side of the body plate directly above the flange I51 and the lower part of the thrust plate I59 has the inwardly ofiset or inwardly pressed portion, adjacent to its lower edge, designated ,I6I, which portion overlies the horizontal body slot I56 and functions in the slme manner as the inwardly pressed portion I48 of the previously described plate I43.

This inwardly pressed portion I6I functions as a can rest also, to hold the can with its side in properly spaced relation with respect to the inner side of the driving wheel I60.

As shown in Figure 18 the upper part of the thrust plate I59 has extended therethrough and secured thereto by the screw threads I62, the relatively long tubular bearing I63 through which extends the shaft or arbor I64, to the inner end of which is secured the driving wheel I60. This tubular bearing I63, like those previously described, has an encircling flange I65 at its inner end which maintains the driving wheel I60 in proper spaced relation with the adjacent thrust plate and brings it into the proper position with respect to the overlying cutter, not shown.

Extending through the slot I56 of the body plate is the relatively long pivot rivet I66, an end of which is secured in the inset portion ISI of the thrust plate, as shown in Figure 18. R- tatably mounted upon this rivet I66 between the wall of the inset portion I6I and the body plate I53, is the roller I61 which rests upon and rolls on the flange I51. 7

Upon the right hand or outer side of the body plate, there is mounted upon the tubular bearing I63, the eccentric assembly I68. This assembly comprises two spacer disks between which is positioned a journal disk I10.

Secured to the outer end of the shaft I64 is an end of the handle or crank "I by means of .which rotary motion is imparted to the arbor I64. This handle extends across the outer face of the adjacent disk I69 and the three disks of the assembly and the handle are secured together by the rivet I 12. It will be seen that while the handle is secured directly to the arbor I64 to impart rotary motion thereto, the eccentric assembly rotates on and freely about the bearing I63.

The numeral I13 generally designates the shiftable member or slide plate. This comprises the inner end portion I14 which is provided with the longitudinal slot I15, and the outer end por-' tion I16 which is in the form of an eccentric collar. This eccentric collar encircles the .journal I10 of the eccentric assembly.

As shown in Figure 16, the innerportion I14 and the outer portion I 16 of'the slide. are in parallel offset relation whereby the outer portion is spaced a greater distance from the bodyplate I53 than the inner portion I14. Between the outer portion ofthe slide and the eccentric assembly I68 as one part and the body plate I53 as the other part, is positioned a spacer sleeve I11 which encircles the tubular bearing I63 as showninFigure 18.

Disposed upon the outer side of the body plate I53, between the inner end portion I14 of the shiftable plate I13 and the body plate, is a thrust link I18. It-will be noted that the inner end portion I 14 of the slide has the right angled downward extension HM and the slot I15 is in the form of a right angle, the short end portion I15a of which extends downwardly in the portion I14a of the slide member.

The rear end of the link I18 extends across the slot I15 and is apertured to receive the pivot pin I19 which passes through the slot I58 01 the bracket arm I52 and through the slot I15.

Within the slot I15 the pivot pin I19 carries the journal I and a second journal I8I is mounted on the pin, which fits in the slot I58. The inner and outer ends of the pivot I19 carry the washers I82 and I83 respectively.

The forward end of the link I18 is apertured to receive the pivot rivet I66 as shown in Figures 16 and 18.

For the maintenance of proper engagement be-'- tween the eccentric collar I16 forming the forward end portion of the slide I13 and the joure nal I10, a pressure applying means is provided in the form of a spring leaf I84 which is disposed within a recess I8'4a in the inner periphery of the eccentric collar portion I16, as shown in Fig ure 16. This spring leaf is initially bowed so that after it is placed in position and it is compressed between the inner wall of the recess I84a and the periphery of the journal I10, it is flattened out as shown in Figure 16.

For convenience in lubricating the relatively moving contacting surfaces at the outer endof the tubular bearing I63, an oil hole I86 is provided in the handle adjacent to the outer endof the tubular bearing I63, as shown in Figures 16 and 18.

In the operation of the fourth embodiment as illustrated in Figures 16 to 19. if the thrust link I18 is not in the extreme rearward position, the operating handle I1I is rotated counterclockwise until the link is in such position. However, when not in use, the thrust link I18 will normally be in its rearwardmost position and the operating handle I1 I will be in a rearwardly extendingposition, which position it assumes upon completion of the operation of opening a can, and which is an out of the way position.

When in such out of the way position, the pivot rivet I66 will be in the rearward end of the slot I56 and the can driving wheel I60 will be in its lowered position. The can is then inserted in the device by holding it in such manner that its upper end is against the cutting edge of the cutter, not shown, which is positioned above the driving wheel and which may be of the disk or the 76 fixed blade type. The operating handle I1.I,-..,is

15- then rotated clockwise until the end is out out of the can.

If the rearward end of the shiftable plate I13 is not in its lowered position as illustrated, it will assume such position upon the initial slight rotation of the operating handle Iii. Inasmuch as the journal I80 prevents the slide 613 from rotating further clockwise, further clockwise rotation of the operating handle, through the eccentric journal I secured thereto, moves the shiftable plate I13 and the link I18 to the illustrated positions.

As the operating handle is further rotated clockwise to cut the end out of the can, the rearward end of the plate I13 merely reciprocates on the journal I80 in an obvious manner. When the end has been cut out of the can, the operating handle is rotated counterclockwise until the pivot rivet I66 is in the rearward end of the slot I56, thereby releasing the can from the device and preparing it for the reception of the next can.

Although not necessary, it is preferable that the operating handle "I be in approximately the position illustrated in Figure 16 before commencing the counterclockwise rotation thereof. During the initial counterclockwise rotation of the operating handle from approximately the position shown in Figure 16, the plate I13 rotates therewith until further movement is prevented by the lower end of the shorter portion ilda of the slot I15 engaging the journal I80. Inasmuch as the journal i80 prevents the slide it from rotating further counterclockwise, further counterclockwise rotation of the operating handle, through the eccentric journal I10 secured thereto, moves the shiftable plate I13 and the link 118 to positions whereby the rivet I12 will then be in a position approximately 180 from the illustrated position in Figure 16f The spring [34 maintains sufficient pressure against the eccentric journal I10 at all times to cause the plate I13 to tend to rotate with the said eccentric journal whenever the latter is rotated by the operating handle I1 I.

Figures 20 and 21 illustrate a fifth embodiment which is essentially the same as the fourth embodiment except for the means employed to effect the reciprocal movement of the pivot rivet corresponding to the rivet I66.

In this embodiment the bracketarm is generally designated I85 and the body plate at the forward end thereof is designated I95 while the upwardly extending portion of the body plate upon which the cutter and can rest, not shown, are mounted is designated I81. As previously stated this embodiment is essentially the same as that shown in Figure 16 and accordingly it will be understood that all of the mechanism on the left hand side of the body plate is the same as illustrated in Figure 17 and accordingly an illustration and description of this mechanism is believed to be unnecessary.

The body plate has formed therein the vertical elliptical opening I88 and below this opening is the relatively long horizontal opening I8 9. In the bracket arm rearwardly of the body plate is a relatively long horizontal opening I90. These openings correspond respectively with the openings I55, I56 and I58 of the structure illustrated in Figures 16 to 18.

The supporting shaft for the can rim engaging driving wheel, not shown, is designated I9I and this 'together with its tubular bearing I92 and corresponding to the tubular bearing I33, passes 1-8 through the opening I88 for connection with the thrust plate, not shown, and the can rim engaging driving wheel, not shown.

The numeral I93 generally designates the shiftable member or slide plate which comprises the rear portion I94 and the parallel offset forward portion I95. At its forward end the forward portion I95 has cut in the top edge thereof the recess or notch I96 and rearwardly of this notch the top edge of this portion of the slide is cut away to form the relatively long recess I91.

The numeral I98 designates the operating handle which has the angularly extending upper end portion I931; which is secured to the can ring engaging driving wheel supporting shaft I9l whereby to effect the rotation of such shaft and the can rim engaging driving wheel, not shown, attached thereto. As shown in Figure 20 when the slide is rotated in a clockwise direction to the limit of its movement the shaft I9I and bearing I92 will be disposed in the recess I91.

Forwardly of the shaft I 9!, the portion I98a of the handle has secured thereto the inwardly extending stud I99. This stud, as shown, is adapted to engage in the upwardly opening notch I96 on counterclockwise rotation of the handle.

Extending through the slot I90 in the supporting arm or bracket I85, is the pivot rivet 200 which corresponds to and functions in the same manner as the rivet I19 shown in Figures 16 and 19. On the left hand side of the device this rivet 200 carries the washer 20! and at its opposite end on the right hand side it has mounted thereon the relatively large disk head or washer 202.

Within the opening I90 the rivet 200 is encircled by the journal 203.

The numeral 204 generally designates the thrust link corresponding to the link I18. This link at its rear end has the rivet 200 extended 7 therethrough and rearwardly beyond the pivot rivet 209 the link terminates adjacent its upper edge in the outwardly directed stop lug 205.

The forward end of the thrust link 204 is pivotally joined to the pivot rivet 209 which passes through the body plate opening I89 and which corresponds to the rivet I66. As will be readily understood this rivet 209 serves as the journal for the roller, not shown, corresponding to the roller I61.

The rear end portion of the link 204 lies against the outer side of the 'body plate sup porting arm I and disposed against the outer side of this link is the rear end portion I94 of the slide. This rear end portion of the slide also has the pivot 200 extended therethrough and the opening through which the pivot 290 passes is of a size sufficient to receive the journal 201 which encircles the pivot 209 as shown in Figure 21.

Disposed on the rivet 290 between the journal 201 and the washer 202, is a spacer 200. Encircling this spacer is a coil spring 209, one end of which is secured to the rear end portion I94 of the shiftable plate I93, as indicated at 2I0 in Figure 20, while the other end of the spring is secured to the washer 202 as indicated at H I. The bias of this spring is such as to constantly urge clockwise rotation of the plate I93 whereby to normally maintain connection between the forward end of the slide and the stud I99 of the handle.

The rear end portion of the plate I93 is extended to form the movement limiting finger I94a. This finger and the stop 205 move relatively in a common circular path and accordingly it will be seen that downward or counterclockwise swinging movement of the slide will be limited by engagement of the finger I94a with the underside of the stop 205.

It is believed that it will be readily apparent from the foregoing that in the use of the embodiment shown in Figure 20, when counterclockwise rotation is imparted to the handle I98 the plate I93 will be oscillated counterclockwise by the stud I99 engaged in notch I96, against the tension of the spring 209 and rearward thrust will also be applied to the slide causing it to move backwards or rearwardly. This will impart a rearward movement to the thrust link 294 and will oscillate the thrust plate, not shown, on the left hand side of the device so as to effect the lowering of the can rim engaging driving wheel, not shown. After the can has been placed in po sition, clockwise rotation given to the handle I98 will then pull the slide forwardly together with the thrust link 204 and the rivet 206 to shift the can rim engaging driving wheel, not shown, back to' raised position. When the wheel has reached this latter position the parts will be in the position shown in Figure and continued rotation of the handle will cause the stud I99 to escape from the notch I96. The handle may then be continually rotated until the can head is cut out. During such continuous rotation the stud I99 will engage in the recess I91 and depress the slide in passing beneath the shaft I9I. The spring 209 will keep the slide continually raised at all other times so that when the completion of the cutting operation is had, reverse or counterclockwise rotation of the handle will bring the stud I99 back into the notch I96 as previously described.

Figures 22, 23 and 24 illustrate a modification of the fourth embodiment. Such modification is directed particularly to the thrust plate actuating means and to the can rest and cutter head structure. Accordingly it will be understood that since the parts on the outer or right hand side of this modified structure are the same as shown in Figure 16, a detail illustration and description of the same are not believed necessary and are not given.

In this modification of the fourth mbodiment, the body plate is generally designated 2I2 and the extended upper end portion is designated 2 I3 and is inclined slightly toward the left hand side of the device, as shown in Figure 23.

The body plate is provided with the usual vertically disposed elliptical slot 2 I4 and directly below this slot, is fixed the pivot rivet 2I5 on which is pivotally mounted, on the inner or left hand side of the body plate, an end of a short thrust link 2 I 6.

The numeral 2II designates the thrust plate, the lower part of which is pressed or formed to provide the inwardly extending or projecting offset housing 2I5, the open side of which is directed toward the left hand side of the body plate 2 I2.

Th body plate 2I2 is provided, between the rivet 2I5i and the opening 2I4, with the arcuate opening 2II', the radius of which is struck from the center of the rivet 215, as shown in Figiu-e 22. At the outer or right hand side of the body plate is the thrust link 2 I8, corresponding to the link I78 while on the inner side the short thrust link 2I6 extends across this slot 2 I1 and has an opening to receive the large diameter part 2| 9 of a pivot rivet 220 which has the smaller end of the cutter.

thereof fixed in the wall of the inpressed portion 2I5 of the thrust plate 2I'I. The portion 2 I9 of the pivot rivet 220 also extends through the arcuate slot 2H and is secured to the link 2H}. It will be readily seen that this rivet corresponds to the rivet I66 previously described.

Extending through the upper part of the thrust plate 2" and secured thereto in the same manner as shown and described in connection with the structure of Figure 18, is the tubular or sleeve bearing 22I through which extends the shaft 222, upon the inner end of which is fixed the peripherally toothed can rim engaging driving wheel 223.

Secured to the shaft 222 is the crank 22 i and secured to the crank and encircling the shaft and bearing as shown, is the eccentric assembly "58a which is of exactly the same construction as the assembly I68 as shown in Figures 16 and 18 and accordingly a more detailed description of this assembly is believed to be unnecessary. This eccentric assembly, corresponding to the assembly I63, is of somewhat smaller size than the assembly I58 inasmuch as the pivot rivet 220, corresponding to the rivet H36, moves a lesser distance horizontally than the pivot rivet I65 if the flange upon which the roller I 6'1 rolls is not cammed from thehorizontal plane.

The numeral 224a designates the disk cutter which is integral with the shaft 225 and the inwardly extending portion 226.

The numeral 221 designates the tubular hearing for the shaft 225 and the inner end of this tubular bearing is of elliptical form to provide the clearance 228 above the shaft which permits the extended portion 226 of the shaft 225 to always seat against the radial surface of the hereinafter described thrust wheel. The tubular bearing 22'! is extended through a suitable opening in the inclined portion 2I3 of the body plate and is secured by the nut 229.

Positioned above and parallel with the shaft 225 is a thrust Wheel supporting shaft 230 having the threaded end 23I which extends through a suitable opening in the body plate portion 2I3 and receives at the outer side of the body plate the securing nut 232.

The shaft or journal 236, which is in the form of a bolt, has rotatably mounted thereon the thrust wheel hub 233, the inner end of which is integral with the disk 234 which forms a part of the wheel. Corresponding with this disk 234 as a part of the wheel is a disk 235. Encircling andshrunk on the hub 233 is a sleeve 236 which limits the outward movement of the thrust wheel 235 on the hub portion of the wheel 234. The fixing of this sleeve 236 on the hub portion of the wheel 234, also maintains the centering guide 237 and the thrust spring 238 in place, as Well as maintaining the thrust spring 238 under any predetermined amount of compression.

The longitudinal postion of the journal support bolt 230 in the oblique or angled portion 2I3 of the-body plate is adjustable by screwing the bolt inwardly or outwardly as desired to efiect the positioning of the flange or periphery of the thrust wheel 234 in relation to the lower portion of the thrust wheel 235, thereby to further compress the spring 238 between the lower portion of the flange of the thrust wheel 234 and the lower portion of the thrust wheel 235. As shown the outer side of the thrust wheel 235 engages the inner side of the disk cutter 224a and the periphery of the wheel 235 engages the portion 225 By making the longitudinal adjustment of the journal support bolt 230 as described it will be seen that a greater inward thrust against the disk cutter 224a will be required to move the said cutter inwardly.

Rearwardly of the thrust wheels, the inner side of the inclined or oblique portion 2|3 of the body plate has secured thereto by the rivets 239, the foot plate 226, a portion of which is angled to extend inwardly in a plane perpendicular to the adjacent side of the body plate, forming the foot or can rim rest 24 i.

Cooperating with the rest 24! and at the forward side of the portion 213 is a vertically yieldable rest 252. This rest is also perpendicular to the body plate 212 as shown in Figure 24 and has at its side edges the laterally extending ears 243 which engage the face of the body plate as shown in Figure 22.

The body plate is provided with the slot 244 through which extends the arm 245 which is integral with the rest 242 and this arm extends upwardly upon the outer side of th inclined portion 2J3 of the body plate and has its upper end disposed across the elliptical slot or opening 246 which is formed in the portion 213 of the body plate.

Secured to the upper end-of the arm 245 and extending inwardly through the opening 246, is a pin 24? which is encircled by the helical spring 248, one end of which bears against the inner side of the body plate portion 2 l3 while the other end bears against the head 247a of the pin.

When a can is in the device and the can driving wheel is in the upper or operating position, the resilient can rest 242 will be oscillated slightly upwardly against the tension of the spring 248. This resilient can rest 242 exerts a slight downward pressure against the rim of the can, which improves the traction of the can driving wheel with the under edge of the rim or flange of the can. Also, the can rest 242 is preferably formed in such manner that it will bear at a predetermined angle across the rim of the can, thereby guiding the can in relation to the disk cutter to assure that the disk cutter cuts the end of the can out at the desired point in relation to the rim of the can for easiest operation.

Figures 25 and 26 illustrate the sixth embodiment wherein the supporting or bracket arm is designated 249 and the body plate at the forward end of the arm is designated 25!). Provision is made at the upper part of the body plate 250 for securing thereto any desired form of rest and cutter head structure, by providing the vertical extension 25L The lower part of the body plate 250 has formed upon the inner or left hand side thereof the peripheral flange 252 which has a vertical portion 252a at the forward edge of the body plate, and an upwardly and rearwardly curving portion 25212 at the rear portion of the under or bottom edge.

At the lower part of the body plate forward- 1y of the rearwardly curving flange portion 2521) and at an elevation below the straight forward portion 252a of the flange, is secured the pivot rivet 253 upon which is mounted for rocking movement, upon the inner or left hand side of the body plate, the driving wheel supporting link 2526. As shown the rivet 253 passes through the link adjacent to the lower end thereof and said lower end of the link is provided with the inwardly directed foot 255 which provides a can rest for engagement against the side wall of the can when the latter is applied to the device.

Above the rivet 253, the body plate 255 has formed therein the relatively large arcuate slot 256 the radius of which is struck from the center of the rivet 253.

The link 254 has a bearing opening 258 therein, in which is positioned a journal 259. Passing through the journal 259 is a relatively long rivet pin 260 upon the inner end of which is seemed the can rim engaging driving wheel 26!. Upon the opposite side of the journal 259 the rivet pin 260 carries the circular spacer 262. This disk spacer 2B2 lies within the arcuate slot 255 and is maintained against the outer side of the link 254 as shown in Figure 26.

The rivet pin 260 upon the right hand or outer side of the opener device carries the eccentric assembly which is generally designated 263. This assembly comprises the inner and outer disks 265 and the intermediate journal disk 265 which, as shown, is of smaller diameter than the disks 264. Upon the outer side of the outer one of the disks 264 is positioned the end of the handle 266. The rivet pin 260 passes eccentrically through the disks 264 and 265 and also passes through the adjacent end of the handle 266 and it has its two ends swaged so as to firmly secured together in side by side relation all of the elements through which it passes. Due to the fact that the pin 260 is of polygonal cross sectional design it will be seen that all of these elements are maintained securely against turning or rotation on the disk. Accordingly when the handle 266 is rotated the eccentric assembly, the spacer disk 262, the journal 259 and the can rim engaging wheel 26! will be rotated as a unit.

The numeral 26'! generally designates the shiftable or slide plate which is formed to provide the rear portion 268 and the outwardly offset forward portion 269. The portion 268 lies against the adjacent side of the arm 249 and has formed therein the angled slot 210, the major portion of which is extended longitudinally of the slide while the minor angularly directed portion which is designated 27011 is directed downwardly.

The forward end portion 269 of the slide is formed to provide the eccentric strap or band 211 which encircles the eccentric journal 265 and is maintained in position thereon between the plates or disks 264.

While the same is not shown it is contemplated to employ between the inner periphery of the eccentric strap and the periphery of the eccentric journal 265, a spring element correspond" ing to the spring I84 shown in Figure 16.

Secured to the arm portion 249 is a rivet pin 272 which carries a head 213. Encircling this rivet pin is the journal 214 which lies in the slot 216 of the slide member as shown in Figure 25.

In the operation of this sixth embodiment if the operating handle 266 is not in its rearward position, in which position it will normally be upon completion of the operation of opening a can, as in previous embodiments, it is rotated counterclockwise until in such position. The can driving wheel 26I will then be in its lower position so that the can can be inserted for the engagement of the underside of the rim thereof with the top of the periphery of the driving wheel. The operating handle is then rotated clockwise until the head of the can is cut out. During the first half turn of the operating handle, the can driving wheel 26! will be moved forwardly and upwardly to approximately the position illustrated in Figure 25, by the action of the eccentric journal 265 in its bearing in the forward end of the shiftable 21 1 plate 261, inasmuch as the plate 261 cannot move further rearwardly by reason of the journal 214 which is anchored to the body plate or arm 249. Further clockwise rotation of the operating handle automatically causes the can driving wheel and the upper end of the supporting link 254 to move slightly forwardly, due to the engagement of the teeth of the can driving wheel with the can flange, until further forward movement is prevented by engagement of the upper end of the pin extends through the slot 283 and carries upon its opposite end the washer 281 which is in spaced the offset portion of the link 284 and the body supporting link 254 with the adjacent vertical portion 25211 of the flange 252. As the operating handle is rotated further clockwise to effect the cutting out of the end of the can the'eccentric journal 265 reciprocates the rearward end of the plate 291 on the journal 214. Although not necessary, the counterclockwise rotation of the operating handle is preferably commenced when the handle is in approximately the forward position. As the operating handle is rotated counterclockwise from the forward position, the rearward end of the plate 261 moves upwardly until further movement is prevented by the lower end of the shorter portion of the slot 219a engaging the journal 214. As the handle 226 is further rotated counterclockwise until in approximately a rearward position, the supporting link 25 i will be oscillated clockwise to its extreme position and the can driving wheel 26l borne thereby will be in its lower position thereby releasing the can from the device.

Figures 27 and 28 illustrate a seventh embodiment of the invention wherein the numeral 215 designates the supporting arm for the body plate 215a which is at the forward end thereof. The inner of left hand side only of this structure is shown since the parts at the opposite side are the same as that shown in Figure 16 in connection with the fourth embodiment. Since it is believed that an understanding of the arrangement and operation of the structure can be readily had without illustrating the right hand side but simply by referring to the structure shown in Figure 16, an illustration of the right hand side of the present embodiment is not required or a description thereof.

In this embodiment the body plate has secured to the inner side the pivot rivet 216. Upon this rivet is mounted for rocking movement, the thrust plate 211, the forward end of which extends across the arcuate slot 218 which is struck from the center of the rivet 216.

The plate 211 carries the journal and shaft 219 for the can rim engaging driving wheel 299. The said journal and shaft extend through the slot 218 and are connected to the operating handle and other parts upon the right hand side of the body plate, such parts corresponding, as previously stated, to the parts shown in Figure 16.

Below the driving wheel 289 which, as shown, is positioned on the inner side of the thrust plate 211, is fixed the can rest or foot 281 which, as

shown, may comprise a portion of the plate 211 cut therefrom and turned outwardly in an obvious manner. I

Rearwardly from the rivet 216, there is fixed to the arm 215, the pivot rivet 282 and in advance of this rivet 282 and at an elevation below the same is an arcuate slot 283 which is struck from the center of the rivet 282.

The rivet 282 has pivotally mounted thereon one link 284 of a toggle unit which is generally designated 285. The lower end portion of this link 284 is offset from the body plate and has secured therein one end of a pivot pin 296, which plate 215, is an end of the other one of the two links making up the toggle, which other link is designated 288.

The rear lower part of the thrust plate 211 is inwardly offset as indicated at 289 to provide a space between the rear end of the thrust plate and the body plate, in which is received the lower end of the link 288. This lower end of the link 288 is pivotally secured to the offset portion 289 of the thrust plate, by the pivot rivet 299.

The inner end of the rivet 282 has the large head 282a and between this head and the upper end of the link 284 is retained the spring memher 291 which, as shown, is in the form of two spaced fiat elements which are joined at one end and are held pressed together under tension between the head of the rivet 282 and the adjacent end of. the link 284. This spring functions to apply a predetermined amount of pressure against the link 284 to maintain it against accidental oscillation when in any operating position.

In Figure 28 the numeral 292 designates the rearward portion of a slide corresponding to the rearward portion of the shiftable plate 113 shown in Figure 16 while the numeral 292a designates a slot in this slide which corresponds to the slot I15 in the plate 113. In this embodiment the washer 281 retains the rear end of the slide 292 in position upon the pivot pin 286'.

In the operation of this embodiment if the journal rivet or pivot pin 286 is not in the extreme rearward and downward position, in the arcuate slot 283, the operating handle, not shown, is rotated counterclockwise until the pin is in such position. However, when not in use, the journal rivet or pivot pin 286 will normally be in such position and the operating handle, not shown, will be in the reaiwardly extending position, which position it assumes upon completion of the operation of opening a can and which is an out of the way position. When the handle is in such out of the way position the plate 211 will be rocked on the pivot 216 and the wheel 289 will be lowered. The can is then inserted in the device and the operating handle is then rotated clockwise until the end is cut out of the can. During approximately the first half turn clockwise of the operating handle, the slide corresponding to the plate I13 of the fourth embodiment, moves the pivot pin or journal rivet 285 to the illustrated position thus straightening out the toggle 285 and elevating the can driving wheel 280 to the upper or operating position. Continued clockwise rotation of the operating handle, not shown, will then out the head from the can and reverse or counterclockwise rotation thereof will effect the swinging downwardly and rearwardly of the pivot pin 286 in the slot 283 to lower the driving wheel 289.

Figures 29 to 32 illustrate the eighth embodiment of the invention wherein the supporting arm is designated 295 which carries the relatively long body plate 296 at its forward end. In the forward end of the body plate is the vertically disposed slightly arcuate elliptical slot 291 which has its radius struck from the center of the pivot rivet 298 which is secured to the body plate 299 directly rearwardly of the slot 291. This rivet 

